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Ince: We Deserved The Win

Manager Reflects On First Home Win As Boss

Paul Ince believes The Seasiders' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace was thoroughly deserved after they had to play for 50 minutes with ten men.

Barry Ferguson was given his marching orders shortly before the interval after being given two yellow cards and with Blackpool on top, the tide looked to have turned in Palace's favour, but a resolute performance and a superlative goal from Matty Phillips five minutes from time meant Ince's side took all three points.

"I think it was thoroughly deserved," said Ince.

"In the first-half I thought we were outstanding and their keeper made two fantastic saves and you just think 'is it going to be one of those games where you're just not going to score?'

"I've said to the lads about being clinical and ruthless and we just couldn't get that goal in the first-half.

"When Barry got sent off you thinking 'here we go again', but these players have shown what they are all about. I've not actually witnessed the togetherness and spirit they've had throughout the years, but you saw it in abundance today and they thoroughly deserved it; they really did. It was a fantastic performance."

The decision to send Ferguson off seemed to galvanise The Seasiders and although The Eagles had a lot of possession in the early periods of the second-half, Matt Gilks was rarely called into action and Ince paid credit to the discipline of the players.

"Obviously when Barry got sent off it changed the dynamics of the game, but we got it right in the way we set up, even with the two wingers who had to come back and make up the bank of four, did their job, while providing an outlet when we won the ball. I thought the three up front were a different level.

"We got the goal, and it was a fantastic goal. I thought Thomas was outstanding down the line, it comes back to Matty Phillips and I'm just praying for it to go in, for him more than anyone, because he's had a barren spell, but it hasn't affected him in terms of the way he trains.

"He's always smiling and I've always been talking to him and the past couple of games I felt he was getting there and I was the happiest man in the stadium when it was Matty Phillips who scored, and what a great goal it was.

"The lads showed some great resilience, spirit and togetherness," added Ince.